Base Pad Having Touch Sensing Capabilities

ABSTRACT

An advanced baseball training base pad for repetitive teaching of proper base running is disclosed. Generally, the optimum pace to contact a base while rounding bases is the inside corner; therefore, sensors configured to the base pad provide indication/feedback to a user as to the part of the base pad being contacted. Alternative embodiments are provided showing different configurations of sensor arrays and multiple base pad portions that can be contacted by a base runner.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This patent application contains subject matter claiming benefit of thepriority date of U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. No. 61/709,099 filed on Oct.2, 2012 and entitled, BASE PAD HAVING TOUCH SENSING CAPABILITIES;additionally this patent application contains subject matter claimingbenefit of the priority date of U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. No. 61/820,075filed on May 6, 2013 and entitled INTEGRATED BASE PAD TIMER,accordingly, the entire contents of these provisional applications arehereby expressly incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains generally to baseball training equipment.More specifically, the invention relates to baseball base pads that arespecially designed for teaching base runners the most efficient means torun the bases by providing audible or visual alarms when the runnerstrikes the wrong part of the base with his/her foot to alert the runnerthat he/she is not running the correct and most efficient path aroundthe bases. In yet an additional embodiment, baseball base pads areprovided with transmitters and timers providing feedback to an athletefurther employing a smart phone application.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Baseball has been very popular over the years and is often referred toas our country's oldest and most favorite pastime. Numerous baseballrelated inventions have been proposed heretofore; and more particularly,many are specifically related to base pad inventions. An early exampleof a base pad invention having indication means was proposed by E.Friedman and was granted U.S. patent protection in 1948, entitled“Indicating System for Baseball Games,” U.S. Pat. No. 2,440,042.Generally this patent describes a baseball base pad that visuallyindicates when a base runner strikes the base anywhere; in additional toindicating when a baseball infielder touches the pad anywhere.

A second example was proposed by Willett entitled “Safety Base forAthletic Events,” U.S. Pat. No. 3,938,804. This particular exampleattempts to avoid collisions between base runner and infielderattempting to make a tag out by partitioning the base with safe runneror fielder sections. A yet further another example was invented by Westet al. entitled “Base with Rigid Corner Section,” U.S. Pat. No.6,296,584.

The base pad invention field is generally crowed and the differentconfigurations depend on whichever objectives the invention discloses.According to West and his co-inventor, baseball and/or softball basesheretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically offamiliar, expected and obvious structural configurations,notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded priorart which have been developed for the fulfillment of countlessobjectives and requirements.

Aside from the extensive background of baseball base pad devices, noneof the prior art solutions address a training base pad to help trainbaseball or softball youths to run bases properly. Accordingly, it is anobject of the present invention to provide a base pad training devicethat will provide sensor feedback to a base runner to help in training acorrect way to run bases. It is an additional object of the presentinvention to provide a fun method to train young baseball players aproper way to run bases so that such training will be a matter ofsubconscious routine for older baseball players.

Additionally, devices and related methods for automatically timingrunners have been proposed heretofore. One such example is provided byFrederick, U.S. Pat. No. 4,578,769, entitled “Device for Determining TheSpeed, Distance Traversed, Elapsed Time and Calories Expended by aPerson While Running.” Essentially, Fredrick offers a device and methodto calculate speed in distance using transmitters and transponderscoupled to a user's shoe that further employ a relationship between footcontact time and distance/speed. While some interesting concepts areprovided therein, the system is overly complex to be a useful solutionto automated base pad timing.

Accordingly still, it is an object of the present invention to provide abase pad training device that will provide sensor feedback to a baserunner to help in training a correct way to run bases. Yet further it isan object of the present invention to provide sensing, timing andtransmitting capability for use with a smart phone device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the abovementioned deficiencies associated with the prior art. More particularly,the present invention in a first aspect, is directed to a baseball basepad comprising: a quadrilateral substrate being a quadrilateral (orsquare) in a top aspect; a plurality of sensors configured to thequadrilateral substrate; an upper base pad area configured on top of thequadrilateral substrate and in the same footprint, wherein the pluralityof sensors provide indication as to a specific area of the base padbeing contacted during a base running event.

The baseball base pad herein is additionally characterized as comprisinga mounting base configured to an underside of the quadrilateralsubstrate, the mounting base comprising a post for mating with acomplementary hole for base pad securing purposes. Further, the mountingbase is configured to the underside of the quadrilateral substrate at anoffset of 45 degrees with respect to each other. In an alternativeembodiment, the mounting base is devoid of a post for flat mating to aground surface such as an outfield grass.

The baseball base pad in this aspect is additionally characterized inthat the upper base pad area comprises a square shape in a top aspect,the square upper base pad area having segmented and separate portionsincluding an first outside larger rectangular portion adjacent to asecond inside smaller rectangular portion, further wherein the segmentedportions include a pie wedge portion taken out of both first and secondrectangles wherein thereby the segmented portions include a pie wedge, afirst rectangle having a corner thereof removed and a second rectanglehave a corner thereof removed, wherein first outside larger rectangularportion is larger with respect to the smaller rectangular portion.

Also according to the invention in this aspect, the pie wedge is a firstpreferred portion having an indication as such when contacted by a baserunner, and wherein the second rectangular portion is a second preferredportion having an indication as such when contacted by a base runner andwherein the first outside larger rectangular portion is a thirdpreferred portion as compared to the first and second preferredportions.

User indications are chosen from any combination of a light, a speakeror a signal transmitted to an electronic device. The device further hasa printed circuit board (PCB) electronically coupled to the plurality ofsensors; and a battery further configured to each of the PCB and theplurality of sensors. The PCB also includes a clock (or an electronictime keeper); and a transmitter or a transceiver for indication and/orcommand and control of the device (via smart phone application, forexample).

In yet another aspect, the invention is a baseball base pad comprising:an interior comprised of semi cushioning material; an outer skinsurrounding the interior; a plurality of sensors configured to theinterior and within the outer skin; and an indicator, the indicatorcomprising a visual indication, an audible indication, or an electronicindication.

Also, the plurality of sensors comprises first and second separatedportions, wherein a first portion is generally a pie shaped wedge at aninner most corner of the base pad and wherein the second separatedsensor portion is a remaining portion of the pad. As in the firstaspect, the invention includes a printed circuit board (PCB)electronically coupled to the plurality of sensors; and a rechargeablebattery further configured to each of the PCB and the plurality ofsensors. It also has the electronic timekeeper and transmitter forcommand and control.

In still another aspect, a the invention is a system for monitoring anathlete running of the baseball base pads comprising: a first base padhaving a plurality of pressure sensitive sensors configured thereto; atransceiver (or transmitter) configured to the first base pad; and asmart device in wireless communication with the transmitter providingelectronic indication regarding contact of the plurality of pressuresensors. The system further includes a second a base pad having aplurality of pressure sensitive sensors configured thereto; a third basepad having a plurality of pressure sensitive sensors configured thereto;and a home plate having a plurality of pressure sensitive sensorsconfigured thereto. An electronic time keeper coupled to a PCBdetermines base runner time. It is additionally contemplated that thesmart phone device has the time keeper of the present invention.

These, as well as other advantages of the present invention will be moreapparent from the following description and drawings. It is understoodthat changes in the specific structure shown and described may be madewithin the scope of the claims, without departing from the spirit of theinvention.

While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake ofgrammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expresslyunderstood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC112, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by theconstruction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accordedthe full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition providedby the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in thecase where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are tobe accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112. The inventioncan be better visualized by turning now to the following drawingswherein like elements are referenced by like numerals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself,both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood fromthe accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdescription, in which similar reference characters refer to similarparts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a sketch showing proper and improper paths for base running;

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B each illustrate a preferred base pad of the presentinvention from a front vantage point;

FIG. 2C illustrates a preferred base pad as shown in FIG. 2B from a rearvantage point;

FIG. 3A is top plan view of a second preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3B is a front view thereof;

FIG. 3C is a profile view the second preferred embodiment;

FIG. 3D is a bottom view of the second preferred embodiment;

FIG. 3E illustrates an exploded view thereof; and

FIG. 3F is a top view of a substrate portion of the second preferredembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Various inventive features are described below that can each be usedindependently of one another or in combination with other features.Initially with regard to FIG. 1, a baseball diamond including an infieldgrass 10 is shown in schematical form. A baseline 11, 12 is essentiallya path a base runner takes when attempting to reach a base safely. Whitelines 19 are provided stretching generally from home plate 24 to edgesof first 21 and third 23 bases and beyond to outfield foul poles (notshown). Further, when traversing more than one base, base runners willtypically “round” the bases 21, 22, 23, 24 instead of turning at rightangles which would be impossible to do at full speed. As illustrated, afirst base 11 path is shown as optimal wherein a runner only contactsthe inside corner of each bag 21, 22, 23. A second, incorrect path 12,illustrates the added distance to a base runner (approximately six feet)that simply contacts a middle of a bag 21, 22, 23.

With reference to FIG. 2A, a preferred device 21 of the presentinvention is illustrated in perspective. In the most broad sense, theinvention is directed to a system of several base pads (i.e. first 21,second 22 and third 23 bases) configured with sensors 61, 62 to helptrain base runners to travel the most optimum path 11 for running bases(FIG. 1). As best seen in FIG. 1, the optimal base running techniquecomprises rounding the bases 21, 22, 23 by touching an inner left corner51 of the base pad. With regard to FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C, sensors areplaced throughout the inner portions of the base pad so that either thecorrect 11 or incorrect 12 path is indicated.

More specifically with regard to the plurality of sensors 42, or sensorarray, configured throughout the base pad 21, 31, they may be designedas different types. For example, pressure sensors such as apiezoelectric type may make up such array 42. Alternatively, sensors 42that simply measure displacement could be employed. And, if sensorstriggered across both/multiple regions 51, 52, 53, 54 of the base pad21, 31 are possible, then a comparator circuit could be employed. Alsoalternatively, compression of the base pad 21, 31 in the applicableregion could cause two contacts to touch and close an electrical circuitconnection to one or preferred indicators 61, 62.

Also with regard to FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C the base pad 21 has an interiorcomprised of semi cushioning material and an outer skin 81 surroundingthe interior.

Also regarding indicators of the present invention, sight 62 and/orsound 61 indicators could be employed as favored by a user. For example,various combinations of LED 62 (e.g. red-improper, green-proper) lightscould be used as well as various audible speaker 61 tones. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 2C, speakers 61 are provided on abackside and a baseline side (as in the first base pad example) of thebase pad. An ON/OFF switch 63 is also provided on the bag backside. Asshown in FIG. 1, a base runner consistently missing the inside 51 of abase pad will run up to six feet farther in linear distance.

With reference to FIG. 3A through FIG. 3F, various views of a secondpreferred embodiment 31 are illustrated. As best seen in FIG. 3A andFIG. 3E, the base pad 51 is divided into three regions 51, 53, 54instead of just two 51, 52 corresponding to “right” and “wrong.” (FIG.2A through FIG. 2C). A second region is being provided that comprises afront portion 54 of the base pad approximately six inches deep. Thissecond region 54 is particularly useful for training a base runnerattempting to beat out a call at first base 31. Specifically, it istypical for the base runner running through first base to beat out athrow or otherwise be thrown out at first base by a slim margin, forexample on the order of a few thousandths of a second. Hence, it wouldstand to reason, that a runner should be really focused on hitting thefront part 54 of the bag as hitting the middle or after 53 part of thebag will surely cost crucial time.

Stated differently, the upper base pad area 50 has a square shape in atop aspect. The square upper base pad area 50 further has segmented andseparate portions including an first outside larger rectangular portion53 adjacent to a second inside smaller rectangular portion 54, furtherwherein the segmented portions include a pie wedge portion 51 taken outof both first and second rectangles 53, 54 wherein thereby the segmentedportions include a pie wedge 51, a first rectangle 53 having a cornerthereof removed and a second rectangle 53 having a corner thereofremoved. More particularly, the “larger” rectangular portion 53 is assuch compared to the “smaller” portion 54.

Also referring more specifically to exploded view FIG. 3E, analternative to the plurality of sensors 42 imbedded within the base pad(FIG. 2A through FIG. 2C) is shown. Herein, the base pad has multiplesensors 42 configured to a substrate 41 being a quadrilateral (orsquare) in a top aspect; and further the base pad 31 (upper pad area 50)with different regions 51, 53, 54 is configured on top of the substrate41. In addition to the optimal method of hitting the inside corners 51of a base pad 21, 31 also the front six inches can be viewed as a secondpreferred portion providing three distinct regions 51, 53, 54 to thebase pad 31.

With specific reference to FIG. 3D, a speaker 61 is configured to anunderside of a substrate 41. Further, an offset angle between themounting base of 45 degrees is preferred as shown. It is expresslystated that a zero degree angle is not an offset angle. In a preferredembodiment, the speaker 62 is a simple speaker capable of providing abell sound (e.g. correct base pad touch) or a buzzer (e.g. incorrectbase pad touch). Alternatively, the speaker 61 could be coupled to amore complicated sound circuit capable of song or human voice playback.Additionally batteries 64 and a simple circuit board 60 can beconfigured between the substrate 41 and the base pad 50 differentregions 51, 53, 54 (FIG. 3F). A mount base 70 is further configuredunderneath the substrate having a top surface adjacent to the speakerfor engaging a playing surface having a complementary aperture 72.

Importantly, the present invention is for training purposes andtherefore the post 71 may be absent from the base pad 31 typicallycoupled to a post holes 72 provided in a baseball diamond as defined bya baseline 19. Hence, base pads 31 can simply be placed in an outfieldgrass or other flat surface.

With reference to the FIG. 3E and FIG. 3F, a fundamental component tothe present invention 31 is a pressure sensor array 42, or sensormatrix. This determines when and where a base pad 31 is touched by abase runner. The sensors are further coupled to a time keeper and a lowpower, short range transmitter to provide base pad running time to auser. In the preferred embodiment, the clock and transmitter areconfigured to the PCB 60 in a fashion known to the art. In a preferredsystem herein, a smart phone application is employed to calculate basepad time, speed, and further provide improvements and trends regarding aparticular base runner. It is additionally contemplated that command andcontrol could be provided to the system via the smart phone wherein thebase pad 31 is configured with both a radio frequency transmitter andreceiver.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinaryskill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustratedembodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example andthat it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by thefollowing claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that theelements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, itmust be expressly understood that the invention includes othercombinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosedin above even when not initially claimed in such combinations.

While the particular Base Pad Having Touch Sensing Capabilities asherein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining theobjects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to beunderstood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferredembodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to thedetails of construction or design herein shown other than as describedin the appended claims.

Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by aperson with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, areexpressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of theclaims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one withordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of thedefined elements.

What is claimed is:
 1. A baseball base pad comprising: a quadrilateralsubstrate being a quadrilateral in a top aspect; a plurality of sensorsconfigured to the rectangular substrate; an upper base pad areaconfigured on top of the quadrilateral substrate and substantially inthe same footprint, wherein the sensors provide indication as to aspecific area of the base pad being contacted during a base runningevent.
 2. The baseball base pad of claim 1, further comprising amounting base configured to an underside of the quadrilateral substrate,the mounting base comprising a post for mating with a complementary holefor base pad securing purposes.
 3. The baseball pad of claim 2, whereinthe mounting base is configured to the underside of the quadrilateralsubstrate at an offset of 45 degrees with respect to each other.
 4. Thebaseball base pad of claim 1, further comprising a mounting baseconfigured to an underside of the rectangular substrate, wherein themounting base is devoid of a post for flat mating to a ground surface.5. The baseball base pad of claim 1, the upper base pad area comprisinga square shape in a top aspect, the square upper base pad area havingsegmented and separate portions including an first outside largerrectangular portion adjacent to a second inside smaller rectangularportion, further wherein the segmented portions include a pie wedgeportion taken out of both first and second rectangles wherein therebythe segmented portions include a pie wedge, a first rectangle having acorner thereof removed and a second rectangle have a corner thereofremoved, wherein first outside larger rectangular portion is larger withrespect to the smaller rectangular portion.
 6. The baseball base pad ofclaim 3 wherein the pie wedge is a first preferred portion having anindication as such when contacted by a base runner, and wherein thesecond rectangular portion is a second preferred portion having anindication as such when contacted by a base runner and wherein the firstoutside larger rectangular portion is a third preferred portion ascompared to the first and second preferred portions.
 7. The baseballbase pad of claim 1 wherein the indication comprises a light, a speakeror a signal transmitted to an electronic device.
 8. The baseball basepad of claim 1, further comprising: a printed circuit board (PCB)electronically coupled to the plurality of sensors; and a batteryfurther configured to each of the PCB and the plurality of sensors. 9.The baseball base pad of claim 8, the printed circuit board comprising:a clock; and a transmitter or a transceiver.
 10. A baseball base padcomprising: an interior comprised of semi cushioning material; an outerskin surrounding the interior; a plurality of sensors configured to theinterior and within the outer skin; and an indicator, the indicatorcomprising a visual indication, an audible indication, or an electronicindication.
 11. The baseball base pad of claim 10, the plurality ofsensors comprising first and second separated portions, wherein a firstportion is generally a pie shaped wedge at an inner most corner of thebase pad and wherein the second separated sensor portion is a remainingportion of the pad.
 12. The baseball base pad of claim 10, furthercomprising a printed circuit board (PCB) electronically coupled to theplurality of sensors; and a rechargeable battery further configured toeach of the PCB and the plurality of sensors.
 13. The baseball base padof claim 10, the printed circuit board comprising: a clock; and atransmitter or a transceiver.
 14. A system for monitoring an athleterunning of the baseball base pads comprising: a first base pad having aplurality of pressure sensitive sensors configured thereto; atransmitter configured to the first base pad; and a smart device inwireless communication with the transmitter providing electronicindication regarding contact of the plurality of pressure sensors. 15.The system for monitoring an athlete running of the baseball base padsof claim 13 further comprising: a second a base pad having a pluralityof pressure sensitive sensors configured thereto; a third base padhaving a plurality of pressure sensitive sensors configured thereto; anda home plate having a plurality of pressure sensitive sensors configuredthereto.
 16. The system for monitoring an athlete running of thebaseball base pads of claim 13 further comprising: a printed circuitboard having the transmitter; and an electronic time keeper fordetermining base runner time.